On September 9, 2021, the White House issued Path Out of the Pandemic: President Biden’s COVID-19 Action Plan . The Plan outlines a six-pronged approach, portions of which will impose new obligations on employers across the country. Read more about these new obligations.
OSHA Updates Non-Healthcare Employer Guidance on COVID-19
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated its COVID-19 guidance for non-healthcare employers, Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace, on August 13, 2021.
While embracing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated recommendations for fully vaccinated people in areas of substantial or high
To Mandate or Not To Mandate: Department of Justice Weighs In on Vaccination Mandates
Can employers mandate vaccines? The Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) says they can, but before employers do, they should consider the many legal and practical risks.
On July 26, 2021, the OLC issued an opinion (dated July 6, 2021) stating that the COVID-19 vaccinations’ Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) status under the Food,
Mask On? Mask Off? Mask On? What Employers Need to Know About The New CDC Guidance
The CDC is now recommending that everyone – including fully vaccinated individuals – wear masks in indoor public settings in all areas with substantial and high transmission of the COVID-19 virus and get tested following exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. The new CDC guidance also recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers,
New Ohio Law Restricts Ability of Public Schools, Colleges to Mandate COVID-19 Vaccinations
Public schools and universities are barred from requiring vaccines that have not received full U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval under Ohio House Bill 244 (HB 244), signed by Governor Mike DeWine on July 14, 2021. The new law goes into effect on October 13, 2021. Read more about this new Ohio law here
EEOC UPDATES ITS GUIDANCE ON VACCINATIONS
Just as you may have been preparing to settle into a relaxing Memorial Day Weekend, the EEOC issued additional informal guidance today concerning COVID-19 vaccination issues. Although there are still many holes to be filled, and employers continue to be left with incomplete guidance, here are some initial highlights and observations:
MANDATING THE VACCINE
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CDC Removes Mask Requirement For Fully Vaccinated In Some Settings – What Should Your Business Do?
In a surprise move today, CDC followed the lead of the various states that have lifted their masking and physical distancing recommendations. However, CDC’s new recommendations come with a twist. The CDC’s recommendations only apply to fully vaccinated people in non-healthcare settings. Here’s what your business should consider as it decides whether to “unmask.”
The
OSHA Issues New Guidance for Employers Combating COVID-19
On January 29, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published “Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace.” The Guidance incorporates much of the existing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adds to guidance OSHA previously issued, and reflects strategies and
Travel Tip of the Day: Mask Up Starting February 2nd If You Plan to Use Public Transportation
Making good on President Biden’s position that everyone should wear a mask when using public transportation, the CDC issued an Order effective February 2nd requiring all travelers using public transportation to wear masks while boarding, traveling and disembarking. The Order requires all travelers, crew, and people who work at the transportation hub (airport, train
CDC Expands Guidance on Informed Consent to Support Workplace SARS-CoV-2 Testing
As employers continue to grapple with a safe return to the workplace, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance for businesses and employers on SARS-CoV-2 testing of employees, as part of a more comprehensive approach to reducing transmission of the virus in non-healthcare workplaces. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes